Demystifying Aluminum Wiring: Is It Safe for Your Home?

As a Saskatoon electrical contractor, we often encounter homeowners’ concerns about the presence of aluminum wiring in their houses. This issue often causes worry and uncertainty, largely due to misconceptions and outdated information. In this blog post, we aim to shed light on the topic and clarify whether aluminum wiring is truly unsafe for your home.

First and foremost, it's essential to understand that aluminum wiring was commonly used in residential properties during the 1960s and 1970s, primarily due to the rising cost of copper. However, over time, concerns emerged regarding its safety and reliability, particularly the increased risk of fire hazards.

The primary issue with aluminum wiring stems from its tendency to oxidize when exposed to air, leading to a buildup of resistance at connection points. This resistance can result in overheating, which in turn may lead to electrical failures and, potentially, fire hazards. Additionally, aluminum expands and contracts more than copper, which can further exacerbate these problems over time.

However, it's important to note that not all homes with aluminum wiring are inherently unsafe. Proper installation techniques and maintenance can effectively mitigate the risks associated with aluminum wiring. Here are some key considerations:

Regular Inspections

Homes with aluminum wiring should undergo periodic inspections by qualified electricians to ensure that all connections are secure and free from signs of corrosion or overheating.

Aluminum Compatibility

If you're planning to undertake electrical renovations or upgrades in a home with aluminum wiring, using products and materials specifically designed for compatibility with aluminum is crucial. This includes devices such as switches, outlets, and connectors.

Correct Terminations

Proper termination methods are essential for minimizing the risk of overheating at connection points. This often involves using specialized connectors and techniques to ensure secure and reliable connections.

Education and Awareness:

Homeowners should be educated about the potential risks associated with aluminum wiring and encouraged to monitor their electrical systems for any signs of trouble.

In conclusion, aluminum wiring poses certain challenges and risks, but it can be managed effectively with the right approach. By adhering to proper installation practices, conducting regular inspections, and staying informed about safety measures, homeowners can ensure their electrical systems' continued safety and reliability.

As Trusted Saskatoon electrical contractors, we are committed to assisting homeowners in addressing any concerns they may have regarding aluminum wiring or any other electrical issues. Our team of experts is equipped with the knowledge and experience to provide reliable solutions and peace of mind. If you have any questions or require assistance with your electrical system, don't hesitate to contact Mitch at Brown Electrical Contracting. Your safety is our top priority.

5 Electrical Projects DIYers Should Not Attempt

We know people out there in Saskatoon love to DIY, but when it comes to electrical work there are some projects better left to the professionals at Anytime Electric.

1. Replacing Wiring

The main factor when deciding whether an electrical project can be tackled by a DIYer or whether it should be handled professionally is the complexity of the project. Replacing wire is one of the jobs that are simply too complicated for even experienced DIYers. There’s just too much that can go wrong to make DIY wire replacement worth the risk. Faulty wiring leads to electrical shorts that can single-handedly cause a disastrous house fire. According to statistics Canada in 2014, in Saskatchewan, 50% of house fires were caused by electrical appliances or electrical distribution equipment.

2. Repairing or Replacing a Circuit Breaker

Another sure-fire (no pun intended) way to cause serious electrical problems in a home is to mess with the circuit breaker. Circuit breakers might seem simple from the outside, but they’re basically the brains of your house’s entire electrical system and is there to keep you safe. Making a mistake when you’re working on a breaker can cause power surges and damaged wiring throughout the home. Familiarize yourself with your circuit breaker so that you know when it’s not functioning properly and needs repair, but when it comes time to do the actual electrical work, hire a pro.

3. Replacing Burnt Outlets

Replacing outlets on their own is actually fairly simple and should not present too much of a challenge for experienced DIYers. But if an outlet is blackened, burnt, or even hot to the touch, don’t work on it. The issue here is probably related to overheated wires or overloaded circuits. If you just replace the outlet without looking deeper, you’re basically just applying a bandaid to an electrical problem. A professional electrician will be able to accurately diagnose whatever more advanced problem is causing the issue and then repair it correctly.

4. Installing Dedicated Circuits

Some appliances, especially those on the more heavy-duty side, require their own dedicated circuit for power so that they don’t cause the wiring to overheat. If you’re trying to set up a high-wattage appliance in a room without a dedicated circuit to spare, you might be tempted to try and install another one on your own - don’t. Installing a dedicated circuit requires more advanced knowledge of wiring and outlet installation, and if you get any of it wrong you’re just going to end up wasting time and money and creating a potential fire hazard.

5. Installing New Light Switches

Replacing switches that have gone bad or upgrading to a different kind of switch is not all that complicated. Installing an entirely new switch is. Avoid installing a new switch as a DIY project. A professional electrician will be able to do the job much safer and much more efficiently.